Electric vehicles: moving towards a sustainable mobility systemhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/articles/electric-vehicles-moving-towards-a
Modern society depends on the movement of goods and people, but our current transport systems have negative impacts on human health and the environment. We spoke to Magdalena Jóźwicka, project manager of an upcoming report on electric vehicles, about the environmental advantages and challenges of using electricity as an alternative to conventional fuels for vehicles.What types of electric vehicles are used around Europe nowadays?

There are a number of different types these days. When we talk about passenger vehicles we can distinguish between pure battery electric vehicles – powered by an electric motor only – as well as different types of plug-in hybrid cars that have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

Other types of vehicles can also run on electricity. On the road we see more and more electric bicycles, vans and buses being used. As for other modes of transport we also have railway engines, water-borne ferries, ships and small boats.

How common are electric vehicles across Europe?

Each year we see more and more electric passenger cars being sold, both pure battery vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Last year, around 150 000 new electric vehicles were sold in the EU. Although sales are increasing rapidly in percentage terms, they still constitute a small fraction of overall sales, just 1.2 % in 2015. And we estimate that only around 0.15 % of vehicles on the road are electric. Or put in another way, just one out of every 700 passenger cars. One important country to mention is Norway, which leads the way in terms of electric car sales. Last year, around 34 000 new electric vehicles were sold there – corresponding to one in five of all new cars.

What is the European policy on electric vehicles?

The EU is committed to decarbonising its transport system and supporting alternatives to conventional combustion engine technologies and fuels. Electric vehicles are just one element. Some policies encourage the development of renewable fuels and electricity; while others aim at the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles such as recharging points across Europe. Specific pieces of legislation set targets for how much carbon dioxide (CO2) new vehicles can emit per kilometre. These have helped incentivise manufacture of low emitting vehicles including electric cars.

Why is it important to incorporate electric vehicles in the car fleet?

Use of fossil fuels in transport harms the local air quality and our climate. This happens through exhaust emissions of CO2 and harmful air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Road traffic is also by far the main source of noise across Europe. Clearly, incorporating electric vehicles in the fleet can significantly reduce overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and air pollution, particularly if the electricity used comes from renewable sources. But even when electricity is generated from fossil fuels, the urban environment can still benefit from a switch to electric vehicles when considering reduced local air pollution and noise levels.

Why are electric vehicles more widespread in some countries than others?

Almost all countries are doing something to promote electric vehicles, but relatively few countries have successfully achieved large increases in sales. For example, ninety percent of new electric vehicles were sold in just six EU Member States in 2015 – that is Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Norway, mentioned earlier, is a frontrunner in this field and a good example of a country that uses a complete package of incentives. One of the most effective measures seems to be purchase subsidies that make the price of electric vehicles similar to conventional cars. Other incentives include reduced cost of ownership such as annual tax reduction or free charging, free parking or use of bus lanes for electric cars.

What challenges lie ahead?

The technology still needs to improve in several ways for consumers to embrace electromobility more broadly. For example, the driving range needs to be longer and the charging speed quicker. Currently, it takes 20-30 minutes to charge a vehicle for a 100 km drive at the fastest charging stations. We also need a better infrastructure making public charging points as common as conventional fuelling stations and expand renewable energy generation capacity to fully take advantage of the benefits of electromobility. Electric vehicles are also more expensive than conventional vehicles.

It is also important to note that simply replacing conventional vehicles with electric ones won’t solve many of the problems we associate with transport. While it can help reduce GHG emissions, air pollution and noise, electric vehicles won’t solve other problems such as congestion or demand for new road infrastructure and parking spaces. To make transport truly sustainable, we as a society need to rethink our whole mobility system looking at innovative ways of reducing our reliance on vehicles. This can include changes such as using car sharing schemes, developing better public transport infrastructure and increasing the use of low- or zero-emission transport modes.

What does the EEA do on electric vehicles?

Looking ahead, we will publish two publications on electric vehicles this autumn: a guide summarising the current state of knowledge on electric vehicles in Europe, and a short forward-looking briefing on some of the potential impacts on the energy system and the environment associated with a hypothetical large-scale uptake of electric vehicles by 2050.

Magdalena Jóźwicka

]]>No publishernoisemobilityclimate changeurban air qualityroad transportincentiveselectric vehiclesfossil fuelselectric carstransport infrastructurepassenger carstransport modestransport noisecarbon dioxideair pollutiontransitionszero-emission2016/09/15 11:30:00 GMT+1ArticleCarbon dioxide emissions from passenger transporthttp://www.eea.europa.eu/media/infographics/carbon-dioxide-emissions-from-passenger-transport/view
A wide range of transport options exists, but choosing the one with lowest emissions is not always straightforward. One way to measure your environmental impact is to look at the CO2 emissions per passenger kilometre travelled.No publishercarbon dioxidesignals2016passenger transportco2 emissions2016/06/29 11:30:00 GMT+1InfographicEU greenhouse gas emissions at lowest level since 1990http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/eu-greenhouse-gas-emissions-at
European Union (EU) greenhouse gas emissions continued to decrease in 2014, with a 4.1% reduction in emissions to 24.4% below 1990 levels, according to the EU’s annual inventory published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The figures come from the EU annual greenhouse gas inventory submitted to the United Nations. In absolute terms, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 1383 million tonnes (Mt) in the EU since 1990, reaching 4282 Mt of CO2 equivalents in 2014.

Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director, said: "It is positive that Europe has been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions substantially since 1990. It is an important step towards reaching our 2030 and 2050 climate targets. To accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon society, we need to further boost our investments in technology and innovation aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels."

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the 24-year period was due to a variety of factors, including the growing share in the use of renewables, the use of less carbon intensive fuels and improvements in energy efficiency, as well as to structural changes in the economy and the economic recession. Demand for energy to heat households has also been lower, as Europe on average has experienced milder winters since 1990, which has also helped reduce emissions according to an analysis linked to the inventory.

Other findings

The overall reduction of 24.4% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, 23% including international aviation, was accompanied by a 47% increase in gross domestic product (GDP).

GHG emissions decreased in the majority of sectors between 1990 and 2014. Emission reductions were largest for manufacturing industries and construction (-372 Mt), electricity and heat production (-346 Mt), and residential combustion (-140 Mt).

Not all sectors were able to reduce emissions. Road transport, responsible for the largest increase in CO2 emissions, grew by 124 Mt from 1990-2014, and 7 Mt from 2013-14.

Emissions from international transport (aviation and shipping), which are not included in national totals reported to UNFCCC, also increased substantially between 1990 and 2014 (93 Mt).

Emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which is a group of GHG gases used in the production of cooling devices such as air conditioning systems and refrigerators, also increased (99 Mt).

EU GHG emissions were cut by 185 Mt between 2013 and 2014 (4.1%). The reduction in emissions was mainly due to lower heat demand by households due to the very warm winter in Europe. The increase in non-combustible renewables, particularly from wind and solar power also contributed to lower emissions in 2014.

About the report

The European Union greenhouse gas inventory is an annual report compiled by the EEA covering emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases from 1990 to two years before the current year. It is the official submission of the EU to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It also constitutes the official submission of the EU plus Iceland under the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. In autumn, the EEA will publish early estimates for the 2015 emissions in the EU, and also a trends and projections report, looking ahead to assess progress against emissions targets.

]]>No publishergreenhouse gas emissionscarbon dioxideroad transportshippingclimate change mitigationgreenhouse gas (ghg)renewable energygreenhouse gas inventoryhfcfossil fuelsaviationflourinated greenhouse gases2016/06/21 10:50:00 GMT+1NewsAnnual European Union greenhouse gas inventory 1990–2014 and inventory report 2016http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/european-union-greenhouse-gas-inventory-2016
This report is the annual submission of the greenhouse gas inventory of the European Union to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It presents the greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2014 for the EU-28 individual Member States by IPCC sector.No publisherunfcccghg emissionsco2n2ocarbon dioxideclimate change mitigationnitrous oxidefluorinated greenhouse gasesgreenhouse gas emissionseu ghg inventorygreenhouse gas inventorymethane2016/06/21 10:50:00 GMT+1PublicationReduction of CO2 emissions from new vans slowed in 2015http://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/reduction-of-co2-emissions-from
The fuel efficiency of new vans registered in the European Union (EU) increased slightly in 2015 compared to the previous year. Average emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) fell by less than 1 gramme (g) of CO2 per kilometre, according to preliminary data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). This is the smallest annual reduction since monitoring of emissions from new light commercial vehicles started in 2012.The average van registered in 2015 emitted 168.2 g CO2/km which is 0.9 g less than in 2014. While the reported annual reduction is small, emissions are nevertheless well below the EU’s 2017 target of 175 g CO2/km. This target was already met in 2013. Further efficiency improvements still need to be achieved to reach the EU’s more stringent target of 147 g CO2/km set for 2020.

Key findings:

In 2015, 1.5 million new vans were registered in the EU, an increase of 2 % compared to the previous year. More new vans were sold in most Member States. However, three Member States reported lower sales: Poland (-24 %), Spain (-16 %) and France (-12 %).

Three out of five new vans (i.e. 60 %) registered in the EU were sold in just three Member States: the United Kingdom (24 %), France (21 %) and Germany (15%).

The average fuel-efficiency of new vans varied widely across Member States due to the different models and sizes of vehicles sold in each country. Average emissions were lowest in Portugal (141.7 g CO2/km), Cyprus (143.2 g CO2/km) and Bulgaria (143.9 g CO2/km) and highest in Slovakia (186.6 g CO2/km), Germany (186.4 g CO2/km) and the Czech Republic (182.6 g CO2/km).

The average weight of vans sold also varied across countries. Smaller vehicles were sold in Malta, Bulgaria and Portugal (< 1 585 kg); larger vehicles (>1 940 kg) in Poland, Finland and Slovakia.

Only 10 250 electric and plug-in hybrid vans were sold in 2015, representing 0.7 % of the total EU van sales. This is lower than the 184 000 electric and plug-in hybrid passenger cars sold the same year, a share of 1.3% of total car sales.

Diesel vehicles continue to make up the vast majority of the new van fleet, constituting 97 % of sales.

It has not yet been confirmed whether different manufacturers have met their own specific annual targets, based on the average weight of the light commercial vehicles they sell. Part of the reason for the small annual reduction observed in 2015 was due to regulatory changes in France. Companies can no longer register company cars as light commercial vehicles as a result of which the share of lower emitting vehicles in the total number of newly registered vans in France has decreased. The EEA will publish the final data on manufacturers’ individual performances as well as additional assessment of the data in the autumn. Manufacturers now have three months to verify the preliminary data and notify errors to the European Commission.

Member States report new vehicles’ CO2 emission levels, measured under standardised laboratory conditions, following the requirements of the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test procedure. This procedure is designed to allow a comparison of emissions for different manufacturers. However, there is now wide recognition that the NEDC test procedure, dating from the 1970s, is out-dated and does not necessarily represent real-world driving conditions and emissions due inter alia to a number of flexibilities that allow vehicle manufacturers to optimise the conditions under which their vehicles are tested.

Recognising these shortcomings, in January 2016 the European Commission proposed a number of changes to the current vehicle type-approval framework. A new procedure known as the ‘Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure’ (WLTP) will be introduced in the future so that laboratory results better represent actual vehicle performance on the road. However, the date of its introduction remains to be decided.

]]>No publishervansclimate change mitigationcarbon dioxideco2 emissionslight commercial vehiclesfuel efficiency2016/05/17 14:00:00 GMT+1NewsGlobal Atmospheric Concentrations of Carbon Dioxide Over Timehttp://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/external/global-atmospheric-concentrations-of-carbon
Greenhouse gases from human activities are the most significant driver of observed climate change since the mid-20 th century. 1 The indicators in this chapter characterize emissions of the major greenhouse gases resulting from human activities, the concentrations of these gases in the atmosphere, and how emissions and concentrations have changed over time. When comparing emissions of different gases, these indicators use a concept called “global warming potential” to convert amounts of other gases into carbon dioxide equivalents. No publisher2016/03/02 10:06:00 GMT+1External Data ReferenceAnnual European Union greenhouse gas inventory 1990–2013 and inventory report 2015http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/european-union-greenhouse-gas-inventory-2015
This report is the annual submission of the greenhouse gas inventory of the European Union to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It presents the greenhouse gas emissions between 1990 and 2013 for the EU-28 individual Member States by IPCC sector.No publisherunfcccghg emissionsco2n2ocarbon dioxideclimate change mitigationnitrous oxidefluorinated greenhouse gasesgreenhouse gas emissionseu ghg inventorygreenhouse gas inventorymethane2015/11/27 17:40:00 GMT+1PublicationMonitoring CO2 emissions from passenger cars and vans in 2013http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/monitoring-co2-emissions-from-passenger
This report presents final data for both vehicle types, updating preliminary data published earlier in 2014.No publishervansco2greenhouse gas emissionscarbon dioxidepassenger transportco2 emissionscarslight vehicles2014/10/30 13:00:00 GMT+1PublicationCar and van makers continue to meet CO2 emission targets ahead of schedulehttp://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/car-and-van-makers-continue
Almost all car and van manufacturers have met European carbon dioxide emission limits several years ahead of their deadlines, according to updated information from the European Environment Agency (EEA).A new EEA report, 'Monitoring CO2 emissions from passenger cars and vans in 2013' presents final data for both vehicle types, updating preliminary data published earlier this year.

The average passenger car sold in 2013 emitted 126.7 grams of carbon dioxide per passenger kilometre (g CO2/km), already below the legal threshold of 130 g CO2/km to be fully reached by 2015. Similarly, the average van sold must have emissions below 175 g CO2/km by 2017, but levels were already at 173.3 g CO2/km last year, according to the updated data from manufacturers and Member States.

There were 11.8 million new cars and 1.2 million new vans registered in the EU in 2013. While both fleets overall are making progress in reducing emission levels, the picture is more mixed when manufacturers are considered individually. Each manufacturer has an individual emissions target, based on the average mass of the vehicles they sell.

Manufacturers and CO2 emissions: key findings

Updated data confirms findings from preliminary data published earlier this year, which showed that new cars in 2013 were on average 14 % more efficient than those sold in 2010.

Of the individual car manufacturers, Renault had the lowest average CO2 emissions (110 g CO2/km) for new passenger vehicles registered in 2013. Renault, Toyota, Peugeot and Citroen continue to produce most of the lowest-emitting cars.

Of the 84 car manufacturers in Europe, 55 met their individual specific emissions targets in 2013. These manufacturers represent 99 % of all registrations. Manufacturers can also choose to join 'pools' in order to meet a collective target. Once pools are taken into account, 72 manufacturers met their allocated targets. Manufacturers selling fewer than 1 000 vehicles may apply for an exemption from targets.

While electric car numbers account for only a small proportion of total registrations, they are increasing rapidly. The number of purely electric cars in the EU has increased from around 700 in 2010 to around 25 000 in 2013. Plug-in hybrid numbers have also increased rapidly over recent years.

Vans sold in 2013 were around 4 % more efficient than those sold in the previous year. The average emissions levels vary by country, with new vans sold in Malta, Portugal and France emitting on average 20 % less than vehicles sold in Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic

Of the larger van manufacturers, the Renault fleet had the lowest average emissions, followed by Dacia, Peugeot and Citroen.

Almost all van manufacturers that registered more than 10 000 vehicles met their specific emissions targets for 2013.

Laboratory versus real world driving emissions

Under the current EU regulations on cars and vans, both the test and vehicle monitoring are based on the New European Driving Cycle test, helping ensure that CO2 measurements of different vehicles are made on a comparable basis. However, over past years there has been a growing concern that this standardised test is not representative of 'real world' driving conditions.

The EEA report includes a comparison of the reported test cycle CO2 emissions with estimated real world emissions. The assessment shows that real world driving conditions may lead to emissions around a fifth higher on average. The difference may be up to a third higher for larger cars, the report shows.

A new test known as the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) will be introduced in the future so that laboratory results may better represent actual vehicle performance on the road.

]]>No publishervansco2greenhouse gas emissionscarbon dioxidepassenger transportcarslight vehicles2014/10/29 11:23:13 GMT+1NewsPolicies put the EU on track to meet its 2020 climate and energy targets but bigger push needed for 2030 http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/policies-put-the-eu-on
European Union (EU) greenhouse gas emissions fell almost 2 % between 2012 and 2013, putting the EU very close to its 2020 reduction target, according to new analysis from the European Environment Agency (EEA). The EU is also on track to meet two other targets to boost renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2020.According to EEA analysis of Member States' own projections, the EU is likely to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 21 % of 1990 levels by 2020, surpassing its 20 % target. With 14 % of final energy consumption generated by renewable sources in 2012, the EU is also ahead of the planned trajectory to hit 20 % renewable energy by 2020. Likewise, the EU's energy consumption is also falling faster than would be necessary to meet the 2020 energy efficiency target.

"Our analysis shows that Europe is on track towards its 2020 targets," Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director, said. "Even against the backdrop of economic recession in recent years, we can see that policies and measures are working and have played a key role in reaching this interim result. But there is no room for complacency. The analyses we are publishing today also highlight countries and sectors where progress has been slower than planned."

The picture at Member State level is more mixed compared to that at EU level. Nine countries were making good progress in pursuing the three linked policy objectives - greenhouse gas emissions reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency - while no Member State was underperforming in all areas.

However, three Member States are at risk of missing their individual targets for 2013 under the Effort Sharing Decision and projected greenhouse gas emissions for six Member States indicate that they will not achieve their 2020 targets through domestic policies and measures. Furthermore, projections from Member States show little or no emissions cuts in the transport and agriculture sectors.

Beyond 2020

Last week, European heads of state and government agreed new headline targets for 2030, reducing greenhouse gases emissions by at least 40 % from 1990 levels, increasing renewable energy to make up at least 27 % of final energy consumption and a minimum 27 % reduction in energy consumption compared to business-as-usual.

The current projections for 2030 indicate that further efforts are required at national and EU level to keep the EU on track towards its new 2030 targets, as well as its longer term objectives to decarbonise the European energy system and cut EU's greenhouse gas emissions by 80 to 95 % by 2050.

]]>No publisherco2greenhouse gas emissionscarbon dioxideglobal warmingmitigationkyoto protocolclimate change2014/10/24 15:29:16 GMT+1Press ReleaseOcean acidificationhttp://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/ocean-acidification/assessment-1
Surface-ocean pH has declined from 8.2 to below 8.1 over the industrial era due to the growth of atmospheric CO 2 concentrations. This decline corresponds to an increase in oceanic acidity of 26%.
Observed reductions in surface-water pH are nearly identical across the global ocean and throughout Europe’s seas.
Ocean acidification in recent decades is occurring a hundred times faster than during past natural events over the last 55 million years.
Ocean acidification already reaches into the deep ocean, particularly in the high latitudes.
Models consistently project further ocean acidification worldwide. Surface ocean pH is projected to decrease to values between 8.05 and 7.75 by the end of 21 st century depending on future CO 2 emission levels. The largest projected decline represents more than a doubling in acidity.
Ocean acidification may affect many marine organisms within the next 20 years and could alter marine ecosystems and fisheries.
No publisherclimate changeoceansocean acidificationcarbon dioxidephacidification2014/06/19 16:40:56 GMT+1Indicator AssessmentEU reports lowest greenhouse gas emissions on record http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/greenhouse-gas-inventory-report-press-release
The European Union's greenhouse gas emissions continued to fall in 2012, as a 1.3 % decrease cut emissions to 19.2 % below 1990 levels, according to official data from the European Environment Agency (EEA). This puts the EU within reach of its 20 % reduction target, with eight years to go until the 2020 deadline. The findings come from final EU greenhouse gas emissions for 2012, reported to the United Nations. Emissions have decreased by 1 082 Mt in the EU since 1990, which is more than the combined 2012 emissions of Italy and the United Kingdom. As a result, the EU was already very close to reaching its 2020 Climate and Energy Package target through domestic measures alone.

The first 15 EU Member States are also joint signatories to the Kyoto Protocol, with a collective target of 8 % average reduction over the period 2008-2012. This group of countries have reduced emission by an average of 11.8 % during 2008-2012 compared to base year without counting 'sinks' or credits from Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms. The emission reduction from 2008 to 2012 in the EU15 was in absolute terms greater than Spain's total emissions in 2012.

Why did emissions fall in the EU in 2012?

Emissions fell by 1.3 % between 2011 and 2012, largely due to reductions in transport and industry and a growing proportion of energy from renewable sources.

Italy alone accounted for 45 % of the total EU net reduction in emissions in 2012, largely due to lower emissions from transport and industry. The second largest reduction, in Poland, was mainly due to a substantial decrease in solid fuel consumption. In contrast to their overall decreasing emission trend since 1990, the United Kingdom and Germany increased emissions in 2012 because of increased use of solid fuels.

Greenhouse gas emissions and changes in GDP

The EEA technical analysis of emission trends shows that changes in GDP, for example growth or recession, can explain up to one third of the change in total greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. During periods experiencing recession (including in the 2008-2012 period), changes in GDP can explain less than 50 % of observed emission reductions for the EU as a whole. Other factors and policies have played at least as important a role in reducing emissions, including the sustained and strong growth in renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency.

Although GDP is a significant factor behind changes in greenhouse gas emissions on an annual basis, GDP and greenhouse gas emissions show an absolute 'decoupling' when compared to 1990, according to the EEA analysis. While GDP has increased 45 % since 1990, emissions have fallen 19 %, halving EU's 'emission intensity', the volume of emissions generated for each euro of GDP. In addition, Member States' emission intensities have been converging. Per capita greenhouse gas emissions in the EU have decreased by almost a quarter since 1990, from 12 to nine tonnes.

Hans Bruyninckx, EEA Executive Director, said: "The EU has demonstrated that there is no conflict between a growing economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Policies have been at the heart of this success. We need to go even further, but this will depend on countries implementing policies which already map a path towards a low carbon, energy secure society."

The downward emission trajectory seems to have continued in 2013, according to emissions data from EU Emissions Trading System and early estimates based on energy statistics from Eurostat. In the autumn the EEA and DG CLIMA will publish official estimates for total EU greenhouse gas emissions for 2013.

]]>No publisherco2decouplingrenewable energyglobal warmingcarbon dioxideclimate changeeu ghg inventoryeconomy2014/05/27 11:39:31 GMT+1Press ReleaseNew vans more fuel efficienthttp://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/new-vans-become-more-efficient
The average van sold in 2013 was around 4 % more efficient than the previous year, so the new vans fleet has already met the collective carbon emissions target ahead of the 2017 deadline, preliminary data shows. Similar findings were recently published for new cars, which have also met their target in advance.There were 1.2 million new vans registered in 2013, with average emissions of 173.3 g of CO2 per kilometre. This means emissions were below the 175g target four years ahead of the 2017 deadline. Manufacturers should now verify the data to check whether they are correct.

The data is published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), which started monitoring the emissions of light commercial vehicles last year.

Emissions levels are very different across Europe – they were lowest among new vans sold in Malta, Portugal and France, while new vehicles in Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic had emissions approximately a third higher.

Background

Member States report CO2 emission levels from the certification test procedure. These levels are measured under laboratory conditions using the new European Driving Cycle specified in EU type approval legislation. This should make the measurements comparable, but not necessarily representative of real-world conditions.

About this database

There are several uncertainties in the data. The vans data is more complex than that of passenger cars, due to the relatively high number of vehicles type-approved in multiple stages - for example camper vans, where different parts are built by different manufacturers. In the case of multi-stage vans, the base vehicle manufacturer is responsible for the CO2 emissions of the final vehicle under EU law.

Moreover, as the database is relatively new, the current monitoring system cannot adequately capture these vehicles, which means that the data is not yet fully representative of the new vans targeted by the legislation. From next year onwards, a new data collection method will apply which is expected to improve data quality. The EEA will publish final data on new vans' CO2 emissions in the autumn.

]]>No publishercarbon dioxidevansgreenhouse gas emissionscarsghg emission targets2014/05/21 11:00:00 GMT+1NewsIPCC report provides new evidence of climate changehttp://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/ipcc-report-provides-new-evidence
As scientists have increased their understanding of the climate system, they have been able to state with increasing certainty that the Earth’s climate has changed beyond historic variability, and that humans are the main cause. This is demonstrated in the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).The Working Group I contribution to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) looks at the most recent physical science of climate change. It confirms and strengthens the main findings of the Fourth Assessment Report from 2007 with new evidence, drawing on more extensive observations, greater understanding of climate processes and feedbacks, improved climate models, and a wider range of climate change projections.

Climate change is happening now and will continue over decades and centuries to come, the report states, finding that it is at least “95 % certain” that humans are the dominant cause. Action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases can limit the amount and pace of climate change, the report says. Without such mitigation action, global mean temperature would likely pass the internationally agreed limit of 2 oC above pre-industrial levels at some point this century, possibly before 2050.

Climate change in Europe

A recent report from the European Environment Agency found that climate change is already evident across Europe, affecting ecosystems as well as human activities. This implies that addressing climate change requires a two-handed approach, simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting societies to observed and projected changes.

The European Union’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2011 were 18.4 % below 1990 levels, according to the latest official data.

Europe is also reacting to experienced and projected climate change, with adaptation now an important policy area at the EU and national level. So far, 16 EEA member countries have developed national adaptation strategies. Adaptation plans have already led to concrete action in many countries as well as at the transnational, regional and local level. Such actions vary considerably, taking into account to address specific climate conditions as well as social and economic contexts.

Resources such as the European Climate Adaptation Portal, Climate-ADAPT, are important tools for sharing practical experience and other information relevant for those adapting to a warmer world.

The European Commission press release on the IPCC report is available here.

]]>No publisheripccgreenhouse gas emissionsintergovernmental panel on climate changecarbon dioxide2013/09/27 09:00:00 GMT+1NewsGreenhouse gases: 2011 emissions lower than previously estimated http://www.eea.europa.eu/media/newsreleases/greenhouse-gases-2011-emissions-lower
Greenhouse gases fell by 3.3 % in the EU in 2011, leading to the lowest level of emissions in reports going back to 1990. The decrease in 2011 was also the third largest over this period, according to official data compiled by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and reported by the EU to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).The European Union’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2011 were 18.4 % below 1990 levels, according to the EU greenhouse gas inventory. When international aviation is included, in line with the climate and energy package, greenhouse gas emissions fell 17 % in the EU since 1990.

Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director, said: “The greenhouse gas emissions cut in 2011 is good news, however, it was largely due to a warmer winter. Nonetheless, the EU is making clear progress towards its emission targets.”

She continued: “There was an increase in consumption of more carbon-intensive fuels such as coal, while hydroelectricity production and gas consumption decreased. If Europe is to achieve the transition towards a low-carbon society, it will need sustained investment in technology and innovation.”

Why were greenhouse gas emissions lower?

The 2011 emissions decrease was largely due to a milder winter in 2011 compared to 2010, which led to a lower demand for heating. The officially reported 2011 emissions were 3.3 % lower than the previous year, while the EU experienced a 1.6 % growth in GDP.

The reduction in emissions is larger than EEA’s estimates published last year, because the extent of the reduced heating demand only became apparent when complete and final energy data became available. The highest emissions reductions were from homes and commerce.

Other findings

Almost two thirds of the emissions reduction in 2011 came from the United Kingdom, France and Germany. The largest increases in the absolute volume of emissions were in Romania, Bulgaria and Spain.

Fossil fuel consumption decreased by 5 % in the EU. However, the average carbon intensity of the fossil fuels used increased, with solid fuel consumption, such as hard coal and lignite, rising by almost 2 % between 2010 and 2011. Liquid fuel consumption decreased by 4 % and natural gas consumption fell by almost 11 %. Biomass combustion increased by less than 1% in EU-27 in 2011.

Consumption of energy from renewable sources had the second largest decline of the last 21 years in percentage terms, mainly due to significantly lower hydroelectricity production. Wind and solar, however, continued increasing strongly in 2011.

Nuclear power’s contribution to electricity also declined in the EU in 2011 compared to 2010, mainly due to closure of power plants in Germany, according to Eurostat energy data.

Road transport emissions continued to decline in 2011 for the fourth consecutive year. In contrast, emissions from international aviation and shipping increased in 2011.

Early indications of 2012 figures

Official total EU greenhouse gas emissions inventory data submitted to the UNFCCC are only available up to 2011. However, there other EU emission data sets which provide an increasingly complete picture of emission changes in 2012:

Verified greenhouse gas emissions in sectors covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS, covering approximately 40 % of total EU greenhouse gas emissions) fell by 2% between 2011 and 2012;

Early estimates published today by Eurostat and based on monthly energy statistics of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion (covering approximately 80% of EU total greenhouse gas emissions) also point to a 2.1 % decrease between 2011 and 2012;

In early autumn, the EEA will publish the Approximated EU Greenhouse Gas Inventory, covering total EU emissions for 2012. This report will cover emissions of all gases from all major sectors reported under the UNFCCC. The report will be used by the EU to assess current progress towards emission targets;

The official EU greenhouse gas inventory for 2012 will only become available in late May 2014 and will be officially submitted to the UNFCCC by the EU. As with this year, it will be the result of a compilation made by the EEA on behalf of the European Commission, in close collaboration with the EU Member States, the EEA’s European Topic Centre on Air Pollution and Climate Change Mitigation (ETC/ACM), the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), Eurostat and Directorate-General Climate Action (DG CLIMA).